Pennsylvania’s energy future suddenly looks a lot dirtier. Amerikohl Mining has submitted a permit to the state Department of Environmental Protection to open a coal strip mine in Donegal Township. The mine would be located at the headwaters of Buffalo Creek, which is a high-quality waterway. A strip mine here would destroy this creek. Surface runoff, acid main drainage and fluid leaks from heavy machinery would irreparably pollute Buffalo Creek. The surrounding Hickey Bottom Wetlands is also habitat for the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. Wetlands are critical habitats for wildlife that purify water and control flooding. Not to mention that this strip mine would also destroy more than 150 acres of forest. A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Worthington-West Franklin Fire Hall (corner of Linton and Cherry streets) in Worthington. You can also visit the website: www.keepbuffalocreekclean.net/home.htm. You can send a letter to the state Department of environmental Protection at http://alleghenysc.org/?p=14113 or sign a petition protesting the mine at www.change.org/petitions/pennsylvania-dep-stop-the-creation-of-a-new-coal-mine-in-donegal-township-butler-county. Coal is the dirtiest source of energy on the planet, and we cannot allow the creation of another new strip mine that destroys our land, water and air.